Manufacturing Engineer III
Sierra Space · Louisville, CO
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $109k–$150k
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 9 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior manufacturing role at Sierra Space (aerospace & defense) in Louisville, CO.
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience) · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, AS9100, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Robotics
- Base pay
- $109k–$150k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
At a glance
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Your game plan for this job
Most people just hit Apply. Do these first and you show up with someone on the inside.
- 1
Find 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at this site
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply most.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
Ask about the work, not for a referral. We write it for you.
- 3
Have a 15-minute chat
Good questions for this role:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply, ideally with a referral
Ask if they'd refer you or introduce you to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link and tell them the day you apply.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
About the role
About the Role
The Manufacturing Engineer III role is responsible for leading process optimization and efficiency improvement initiatives, developing and implementing quality control measures, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance manufacturing processes. This position requires in-depth knowledge of manufacturing technologies and automation, as well as the ability to lead cross-functional teams in complex projects. Manufacturing Engineers, use their skills and expertise to develop and execute advanced manufacturing processes for cutting-edge space products and services. This role requires technical proficiency, innovation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
About You
Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.
We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum
qualifications
below. The
preferred qualifications
are a bonus, not a requirement.
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Lead and manage process optimization and efficiency improvement projects to enhance manufacturing performance.
- ◆Develop and implement quality control measures to ensure product consistency and compliance with industry standards.
- ◆Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and implement improvements in manufacturing processes to streamline operations.
- ◆Utilize in-depth knowledge of maintenance strategies and best practices to develop and implement comprehensive maintenance plans.
- ◆Analyze equipment performance data to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
- ◆Apply reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) principles to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
- ◆Lead cross-functional teams in process improvement projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- ◆Utilize maintenance management software to track and manage maintenance activities effectively.
- ◆Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians, fostering their professional growth.
- ◆Continuously develop and implement quality control measures to uphold industry standards.
Qualifications
- ✓Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +3 yrs experience).
- ✓Typically 5+ years of related experience.
- ✓The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
- ✓In-depth knowledge of manufacturing technologies and automation.
- ✓Proficiency in CAD software (ex: NX).
- ✓Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- ✓Experience in process optimization and efficiency improvement.
- ✓Ability to lead cross-functional teams in process improvement projects.
- ✓In-depth knowledge of manufacturing process validation and verification.
- ✓Experience in developing and implementing manufacturing plans.
- ✓Proficiency in using manufacturing management software.
- ✓Ability to analyze manufacturing performance data and identify trends.
- ✓Knowledge of reliability engineering principles.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Advanced degree in aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, or a related discipline.
- ✓Certification in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma (e.g., Black Belt).
- ✓Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- ✓Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- ✓Knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing and robotics.
- ✓Proven track record in a space or aerospace manufacturing setting.
- ✓In-depth understanding of spacecraft subsystems, including structures, mechanisms, avionics, propulsion, and high-pressure systems.
- ✓Demonstrated ability to create and implement processes from the ground up, with strong communication skills to engage a diverse team.
- ✓Successful introduction of new aerospace hardware systems into manufacturing, testing, and production environments.
- ✓Experience in implementing AS9100 quality standards.
- ✓Proficiency in onboarding MES, PLM, and ERP systems.
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Sierra Space Careers
At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.
Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.
Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.
We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.
Pay Range
$109,368.00 - $150,381.00
Important notice
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal d